NR Bandwidth Part Configuration for Reduced-Capability UE Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved communication and power savings in Reduced Capability/Complexity (RC) NR devices such as wearables, smart watches, and industrial sensors, which have more limited capabilities and require greater power efficiency than non-RC NR devices.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a UE sending its capability information to the network, receiving a second bandwidth part (BWP) with a frequency range equal to or less than the first BWP, and utilizing this smaller BWP for data and control information reception, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing power savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If RC NR devices use the first BWP (full bandwidth) for receiving data and control information, then communication capability is maintained, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bandwidth part into two segments: a first BWP with full bandwidth for non-RC NR devices, and a second BWP with reduced bandwidth specifically for RC NR devices. This segmentation allows RC devices to operate on a smaller, less complex bandwidth while non-RC devices continue using the full bandwidth, thereby reducing power consumption and device complexity for RC devices without affecting overall system capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different bandwidth configurations to different device types within the same cell. RC NR devices receive a customized second BWP configuration with reduced bandwidth tailored to their specific capabilities, while non-RC devices continue using the standard first BWP. This localized optimization ensures each device type operates at its optimal complexity and power consumption level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If RC NR devices use the second BWP (reduced bandwidth) for receiving data and control information, then power savings are achieved and complexity is reduced, but communication capability may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcommunication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the network to flexibly configure the second BWP parameters (bandwidth, frequency location, subcarrier spacing) based on RC device capabilities and service requirements. The network can dynamically adjust the second BWP configuration to match different RC device types and their specific communication needs, ensuring optimal balance between reduced complexity and maintained communication capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying key BWP parameters (bandwidth size, frequency position, numerology) to create a customized second BWP for RC devices. These parameter adjustments allow the system to reduce device complexity and power consumption while maintaining adequate communication capability by optimizing the bandwidth and other parameters according to RC device specifications and service requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network configures separate BWP information for RC and non-RC devices, then device-specific optimization is achieved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice-specific optimizationVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by using a unified BWP configuration framework that serves both RC and non-RC devices. The network configures BWPs using standard procedures, and the same configuration mechanism accommodates different device types. This multi-functional approach allows the system to provide device-specific optimization while avoiding the need for entirely separate configuration systems, thereby controlling signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4005132B1Reduced capability/complexity NR bandwidth part configuration
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4005132B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4005132B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4005132B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A configuration to allow a UE to receive a BWP configuration that supports RC NR. The UE sends information to a network indicating a UE capability of the UE. The UE receives, based on the UE capability, information indicating a BWP associated with a first BWP, the second BWP having a frequency range equal to or less than the first BWP. The UE receives at least one of control information or data based on the indicated first BWP and the second BWP.